Richard “Dick” Martell

Richard “Dick” Martell died peacefully with his family by his side, on May 2, 2012, due to complications from MS. He was 66 years old. He is survived by his daughters Tina Lannoye (Brian) and Bonnie Martell-Johnson; grandchildren Morgan and Natalie Lannoye and Tyssen Martell; his mother, Bernadette Martell; brother, Raymond Martell (Susie) and father-in-law, Gordon Bullamore (Joyce). Dick also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends that were considered “family”.Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Janet Bullamore; father, Harvey Martell; brother, Robert “Bob” Martell; son-in-law, Major Johnson, and dear mother-in-law, Florence Bullamore. Dick was born in Long Beach, CA to Bernadette “Penny” and Harvey Martell, on November 4, 1945. He was raised on Three Tree Point, in Burien, WA and graduated from Highline High School in 1963. It was in high school that he met his soul mate and wife, Janet Bullamore. They married on June 4, 1965. Dick pursued a career in Radiologic Technology and graduated from University of Washington. He took a position as Chief Technologist and ran the X-ray department at University of Washington Medical Center, before taking a job that moved him and Janet to San Jose, CA. Dick was the Administrator for the Radiology Dept. at Valley Medical Center, in San Jose. He and Janet had 2 daughters in 1971 & 1974. Over the years they made lots of lifelong friends and memories, including hosting an annual Luau, complete with pig roast on a homemade spit, in their backyard. Dick and Janet longed to be back home, in the Seattle area, so when a job opportunity came up, Dick took it. In July 1980, Dick and Janet packed up the family and moved “home” to Washington state. They settled in Redmond and finished raising their 2 daughters. Dick was the Administrator for Eastside Radiology, in Bellevue. He worked for them until retiring in 1992, due to his MS limitations. When Dick’s MS started getting worse, he and Janet had a wheelchair accessible house custom built for him, in Covington, in 1998. They lived in this house until Janet suddenly and unexpectedly passed in 2009. After her passing, Dick resided at Arbor Village Assisted Living, in Kent. Janet was his high school sweet heart, his soul mate. When she passed, Dick’s MS started another downward slide. He was never the same. He missed his “Jani-Sue”. We all feel comforted now in knowing that he is back with her now. Dick enjoyed a lifelong passion of boating. He and Janet spent countless weeks boating around the US and Canadian San Juan Islands. They often took many friends and family along on their excursions, savoring the beautiful Pacific NW waters and fresh seafood. When they weren’t boating, they were still with family and friends, just doing other exciting adventures.Family was very important to Dick. His daughters have fond memories of family vacations skiing in Breckenridge, CO, snorkeling in Hawaii, River rafting down the Rogue River, water skiing on Lakes Sammamish and Washington, and camping in the motor home at Lake Chelan and Cannon Beach.Dick was known as “the life of the party”, and most well known for his endless catalog of jokes. He made friends everywhere he went, but had many special “groups” of friends: a couple of great guys from high school, who also shared his passion for boating. “The Cool Clinic”, from his college days, some from his days at “Valley Med”, from his neighborhood in Redmond, the “S.P.E.R.M.” group from his RBMA days, and some from various travels. He loved surrounding himself with people. He was a great husband and dad. A wonderful role-model of a gentleman for his daughters. He was always supportive of his kids’ activities, whether it was soccer or ballet. His loud booming voice could always be heard from the sidelines and audience, and it sometimes got him into trouble!His big smile and laugh will be forever missed, but we know he is once again, happy.There will be a funeral Mass for Dick on Saturday, May 19, 1:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, 505 17th St. SE, Auburn.

625621